By John Moses
The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Yabagi Sani, has appealed to political leaders across Nigeria to prioritise national unity and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, warning that political elites would be the first to suffer if democracy collapses.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Sani—who previously chaired the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)—stressed that safeguarding democracy should be seen as an urgent responsibility.
“If democracy is allowed to be truncated, everyone will pay the price, but political leaders would bear the brunt first,” he explained. “That is why, during my tenure at IPAC, we focused on fostering unity and advancing democracy.”
Turning to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Sani suggested that global conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East and instability in Libya and Iraq, have had spillover effects in Sub-Saharan Africa. He argued that strong domestic policies, a united political front and efforts to tackle corruption and nepotism could significantly improve the situation.
“Every country faces vices, but the extent to which they are managed often determines whether a nation progresses,” Sani said, adding that rooting out misconduct within security agencies would help Nigerians feel more connected to the country’s goals.
Sani also highlighted the need for economic reforms that directly benefit ordinary citizens, stressing that inclusive policies could strengthen democracy further.
When asked about his 2027 presidential ambitions, Sani said he would only run if he believed he could bring meaningful change. “If the people have faith in you, they will show it. But first, you must genuinely have something to offer,” he remarked.
Finally, he emphasised the importance of a fair electoral process and a truly competitive multiparty system. “Democracy should be a contest of ideas, not blind allegiance to party lines,” Sani noted, calling for greater representation of opposition voices in parliament to ensure more robust debate and governance.
